Margaret W. Schmelz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Margaret W. Schmelz, known to many as Peggy, at the age of 88. Peggy was born on January 13, 1937, to the late Alfred and Margaret Weston. She was the youngest of three siblings and the last to survive, following the loss of her brother Al and sister Claire.

Peggy grew up in Jersey City, where she formed lifelong friendships with “the girls”—Dottie, Barbara, Joan, and Arline. She later attended Berkeley School of Business and worked as a secretary at NJ Bell, where she met her future husband, Joe. Joe was so smitten with Peggy that, just one week after meeting her, he proposed with a ring from the local “5 & Dime.” She thought he was out of his mind, but six months later, they were officially engaged. Together, they raised six children in Palisades Park, NJ, before moving to Pocono Lake, PA, and finally settling in the Holiday Heights section of Berkeley Township twelve years ago.

Peggy was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joe, but she leaves behind a legacy of love and family.

She will be dearly remembered by her children: Nancy Martinez (Joe), Pegi DeMeo (Ray), Mary Beth Weber (Jack), Joe Schmelz (Tina), Karen Timpanaro (John), and Tommy Schmelz (Janine). She was also deeply loved by her 14 grandchildren: Joey (Gina), Melissa (Joey), Jared, Kayla, Jake, Graham, Joseph Henry (Stephanie), Meghan, J.T. (Isabel), Derek, Shane, Nick, Olivia, and Alex. Peggy's memory will also live on in her great-grandchildren, Amelia, Leila, Avery, and Rosa.

Peggy had a love for playing games, whether it was Pinochle, Skipbo, or Rummikub—if there was a game to be played, she was ready. Her passion for family game nights was so strong that we're even considering turning her ashes into an hourglass timer, so she can keep joining in the fun.

A memorial mass to celebrate Peggy’s life will be held on Thursday, July 17th at 11:00 AM at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church, 130 St. Maximilian Lane, Toms River, NJ. At a later date, a private interment will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ, where her ashes will be laid to rest alongside Joe’s.

To watch the memorial mass for Peggy at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, please visit:

https://www.youtube.com/live/bSMVEG1b6Ik